SpaceX is one of the purveyors of 21st-century space travel. You may or may not have come across the term CAD. All the same, it means Computer-Aided Design. Most companies these days, find the source for ideas from different engineers and incorporate those ideas to form one major idea of a product. Afterward, there is a use of computer software to design the products and print design through the use of graphical symbols such as points, curves, and shapes. SpaceX is an example of such companies
SpaceX has adopted the use of CAD software known as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Product Data Management software (PDM), to design its space shuttles. The software can produce both 3d and 2d dimensional models of the proposed shuttles through modification, analysis, and optimization of the design.
Players in the space network have previously been stuck for several years in using the same designs. For instance, some people suggest that the Boeings version of a modern spacecraft has the same outlook as the Apollo rocket used in the 1960s. The use of CAD software makes it easy for Aerospace Companies to change the designs of space equipment.
In this article, we will discuss CAD software used by SpaceX and NASA. So stick around and read on to find out more.
What CAD Software Does SpaceX Use?
The rapid changes in technology have led to extensive changes in how we view the space network today.
SpaceX has become a leader in the space network through its use of Computer-Aided Design technology. After they failed to use CAD to build Falcon 1, the spaceship company resorted to using fine element analysis and product management software, a product of Siemens CAD.
Elon Musk, the founder of the SpaceX program, motivated his engineers to use an interactive design tool commonly referred to as the Siemens NX to make space shuttles parts and machinery in a more organic way.
Interaction with technology further motivates SpaceX engineers by increasing their work rate by being able to view their design in 3D models which have proven to be quite different from the 2D models. Besides, engineers are still working on the clock to build codes that will go on space rockets and shuttles and ones that will support the design and manufacturing of rockets. This way they can build and launch and also monitor all machinery that goes into space.
More software programs such as Femap software, Teamcenter software and LabView work together with Siemens NX CAD during the design stages of a model. The NX software makes it possible for engineers and designers to find interferences when loaded into a SpaceX rocket.
Having a CAD does not entirely solve the designing process of a space rocket. Experts at SpaceX suggest that engineers from the propulsion, structures, and aviation teams have to combine efforts for the design to be a success. Teamcenter software is primarily used for documentation of related designs whereas the LabView software is essential in monitoring all control of all the space launch vehicles.
SpaceX’s decision to use CAD software in their initial stages of space designs has brought a ton of benefits. Below, we highlight some of these advantages.
- Ability to draw to scale
Unlike using traditional methods, SpaceX engineers today can produce accurate designs as they see fit. The use of CAD to draw accurate design helps engineers quickly move away from designing to testing the prototypes.
- Ability to layout the drawings conveniently
The Siemens NX CAD software enables engineers to work in a model space environment. Layouts are important and will determine the outlook of most of the space equipment they build.
- Cad’s flexibility to organize drawing information
Engineers at SpaceX can use the software to display, edit, and print layers of the designs separately. The software allows the assembling of parts when putting the focus on other designs.
- Establishing drafting standards
Manual drafting requires careful accuracy in designing. With CAD software, engineers can ensure that the aerospace company meets the industry’s required standards.
- Viewing the designs
SpaceX’s CAD software makes it possible for engineers to view their designs before simulating and printing them. Building rockets and space shuttles involve a lot of equipment; having a wider view helps you monitor each component of your design.
SpaceX’s decision to use CAD software however does not come in cheap. Employees are required to update their skills every time. Perhaps this is why some of the players in the space network industry have resorted to outsourcing CAD software rather than purchasing them.
How Does SpaceX Use the NX Software CAD?
The famous dragon capsule, Falcon 1, and Falcon 9 rockets have been designs of the Siemens NX software cad. Engineers use the software in the handling of space rockets parts (about 25,000). Its ability to work with a wide range of parts during assembling makes the software stand out.
It takes the software approximately 5-10 minutes to load all parts to be assembled. Engineers claim that they do benefit from this software, they can work by being able to design in context. Other parts can as well be developed when the assembly process is going on.
Siemens NX software can also be used to simulate motion. For instance, it is easier to simulate motion and observe how the separation between the first and second stages of space rockets will work.
Elon Musk further elaborates the concept of using NX software by stating that ‘they can take any concept from an engineer’s mind and translate it into a 3D object and making it real via printing the design’. It’s a fair point that he aims to empower his employees by fastening the process from just having a design in mind to quickly making a model and test it as early as possible.
Much has been said about the use of the software, so let’s not forget that SpaceX’s ability to shift quickly from design to printing is crucial. Notably, the Aerospace Company does not entirely focus on perfecting a design before they test it. More than often, the design can either simulate or test the models often. It’s clear the company’s strategy is to as many times as possible and as a result would learn from the failed tests and simulations. Some of you would probably refer to this approach as a “fail fast” approach.
For instance, the use of the software led to a breakthrough in designing the Raptor Rocket engine which is made up of two pre-combustion chambers. The company spends little time building the perfect design and afterward pushes it to the limit. Whenever the design fails, they go back to the drawing board and start over again.
In another instance, they built the Starship prototype. All months and years of work however were cut short since the prototype was destroyed during the testing phase. Today, if you ask SpaceX experts they will tell you that should be the right use of a prototype. The company has continued to build more prototypes keeping in mind lessons learned from prior failed tests.
Many experts and employees at SpaceX have suggested that while it’s good to talk about the use of CAD software, people should also turn some attention to the spaceship program of reusing equipment and ideas. It has become the first aerospace industry player to build rockets using reusable materials. The design of this has also been completed through the use of Siemens NX software CAD. For instance, the Starship- commonly referred to as the Mars Vehicle will use reusable materials. This saves engineers time to focus on new and changing designs instead of building designs for each kind of space mission.
The unique thing with the use of Siemens NX software CAD is that it can cope with the changes in the space industry. Today, if you ask an engineer from SpaceX about their design be assured to receive a different answer several months later. As mentioned earlier, the Aerospace Company does not seek perfection in their designs but test them and proceed on by learning from their failure.
What CAD Software Does NASA Use?
The 3D CAD and CATIA are one of the largest software used in most aerospace programs. While some of you may argue that AutoCAD should be among the top list, it’s still considered as a 2D product.
In the 3D category, Pro/E and CATIA have been dominantly used in NASA’s centers for their internal model designs. CATIA has been a key element in the design of Boeing and Airbus. Even though they have been used by NASA for their designs, the software is expensive and takes more time to learn how to use them.
The type of Computer-Aided Design a company chooses to use relies solely on the desires of the parent company. However, the use of traditional methods of design will potentially delay the progress of the space network. Designs will need to be simulated before (takes time) building a prototype.
To sum up, SpaceX’s use of Siemens NX CAD for designing purposes has led to being referred to by many as agile leaders. The software not only empowers engineers but also helps the aerospace company rapidly move the designing stage to simulation and tasting.